Hearings controversy won't go away

The McGuinty government is being called out of touch, arrogant and uncaring about the north. NDP leader Andrea Horwath is still hounding the government over its refusal to hold forest tenure committee hearings outside of Toronto.   Horwath predicts however, the government won't change it's mind about the issue

A New Vision for Ontario's Optometrists

Optometrists across Ontario are now allowed to prescribe eye medications to patients for serious diseases. This enables people with serious eye conditions as well as minor eye infections to receive medication from their own optometrist. Thunder Bay Optometrist William Ulakovic says they can now take a greater role in managing patients individually. He says this will serve as a positive for patients living in North Western Ontario.

Election day for Fort William First Nation

There is no shortage of choices for voters in today's Fort William First Nation band elections.  Electoral Officer Kimberly Pelletier says there is almost 70 people running for Councillor and 8 for Chief and residents can come to the Community Centre to vote.  Polls will close at 8 tonight with results expected tomorrow morning.

LU official to retire

Lakehead University is looking for a new Director of Communications.  President Brian Stevenson says that Eleanor Abaya has decided to retire.  Her last day will be June 17th. 

Manley speaking in Thunder Bay

The Alzheimer's Society is bringing in a Silver medal figure skater.  Elizabeth Manley will be speaking at their fundraiser on Thursday night at the Valhalla Inn.

Mailing changes on the way

Shuniah and Oliver Paipoonge residents will soon bid farewell to the Rural Route mailing system.  Canada Post is scrapping site numbers and will use street names.  Spokesperson Tom Creech says the changes will take effect in October.  Pass Lake is also impacted by the changes.

Blank paper draws more attention to story

Lakehead University's newspaper isn't taking their censorship lying down. The Student Union pulled a story from the paper that was about the alleged rigging of their elections.  Argus Editor Ian Kaufman says before this happened they didn't know LUSU could have final say over their stories. The paper has written an amendment to LUSU's laws that if passed will guarantee them editorial autonomy.   Kaufman says the blank page on their current newspaper has actually garnered the story more attention.

Counselling Centre receives cash

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving a local counselling centre 98 thousand dollars.  The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre will use the money to hire a co-ordinator and develop online counselling services.

Irwin named to team Canada

Thunder Bay's Haley Irwin will be pulling on the team Canada sweater again.  She's been named to the roster for the upcoming World Championships.  Irwin helped Canada win a silver medal at the last World Championships, where she chipped in with 2 goals and 3 assists.  Irwin was also part of last year's Gold Medal winning team at the Vancouver Olympics. 

Recruit recovering from gunshot wound

 A Thunder Bay Police recruit is still recovering after an shooting accident in February. Jason Firth was hurt when his gun went off unintentionally at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer. Deputy Chief J-P Levesque says Firth's injury was quite serious and says the road to recovery will be lengthy.  Levesque says once Firth heals, he will continue his training.

Foundation grants money for cancer care

Almost 900 thousand donor dollars are being used for cancer care in Thunder Bay and the region. Regional Health Sciences Foundation CEO Glenn Craig says some of the money is being used for a new breast MRI program which he says is huge help for patients.   As well, half a million dollars will help support cancer research at the hospital. 

Boshcoff takes leave

It's official, City Councillor Ken Boshcoff is taking a leave of absence from council.  The Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay Rainy River will miss one meeting while campaigning in the Federal election.  Boshcoff's leave takes effect Tuesday, April 12th.

Combined Guns and Gang unit arrests 3

The Regional Combined forces guns and gangs unit has 3 people in custody in Sioux Lookout.  Officers made the arrest Monday after finding a military grade rifle and another prohibited device for the gun.  The 3 are facing a number of charges including guns trafficking.

70-thousand dollars in marijuana seized

The Combined Forces Crime unit has seized over 70 thousand dollars in marijuana after searching a Hester Street home.  A 23 year old man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and proceeds of crime.

ONA weighs in on new report

The Ontario Nurses' Association is urging the Provincial Government to act on a list of 13-recommendations on improving Health Care in Northern Ontario.  First Vice-President Vicki McKenna says a new ONA report on health services can't sit on the shelf and collect dust.  The ONA is demanding that socio-economic and environmental issues in Northern Ontario be examined in order to address the root causes of lower life expectancy.

Hearings controversy heats up..NOMA joins

There's more pressure on the McGuinty Liberals over the Forest Tenure hearings.  This time it's the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association throwing it's weight behind the push to bring the committee hearings to Northern Communities.   NOMA says that holding the hearings only in Toronto will do nothing to the people whose lives depend on the forest

Forest Tenure Reform

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is jumping on the anti-forest tenure bill band wagon.  The Ontario Forest Industry has come out opposed to the legislation and is upset the Province has refused to hold hearings on the legislation in the North.  Chamber President Harold Wilson says wood tenure reform is a very important issue for the North; yet the region is being excluded from the hearings.  Meanwhile, Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says he wants to ensure its a good piece of legislation for the region.  The province will provide video conferencing for those who can't attend in Toronto.  Hearings will take place in Toronto on April 11th and 13th.

Wood Allocations Welcome

Two Nipigon-Greenstone area First Nations are accepting wood supply offers from the province.  The province is investing one million dollars into the contruction of a new pellet plant and over 30-thousand dollars into the modernization of a sawmill.  Spokesperson JP Gladu says the announcment is welcome news.   The wood allocation creates around 20 new jobs for the communities.

Returning offices now up and running

The Elections Canada returning offices in both Thunder Bay ridings are now open  The office for the Thunder Bay Rainy River riding is located in the Northwood Mall on Redwood Avenue. The Returning Officer is Tom McCuaig.  The Thunder Bay Superior North office is located at 106 North Cumberland Street, being headed by Returning Officer Bill Everitt.   Both are preparing voter information cards which will be sent to homes in the riding starting this week.   Advance polling dates are set for April 25th, 26th and 28th.

Cops for Cancer

The 15th annual Cops for Cancer event is looking for another successful turn out. Event Chair Constable Greg Stephenson encourages everyone to show their support by shaving their heads for cancer research.You can take part Saturday, May 7th at Intercity Mall.

Thunder Bay farmers grow chickpeas

Chickpeas and lentils can be grown in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay's Agricultural Research Station has tested out the crops and President Bruce Forrest says it helps them be more environmentally friendly. 
The new crops minimize environmental impact on the land.

Rainbow Trout Spawning soon

The Spring spawning season for rainbow trout will soon be underway.  The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to collect information on the trout they catch.  Spokesperson Davis Viehbeck says they'll teach you how to handle the fish.  The information will be used to manage rainbow trout populations.

T. Bay ball player honored

A Thunder Bay ball player is the Minnesota College Athletic Conference's co-winner of its player of the week honours.  Kurtis McCallum, who plays for Virginia's Mesabi Range Community College, batted five-hundred and had two homers and 14 RBI's in the Norse's six wins last week.

Horizon Wind refuses comment on settlement

Officials with Horizon Wind are refusing to comment on Monday nights decision to settle their lawsuit against the city out of court.   Councillors voted  8-4 to allow the wind farm project on the Nor'Wester mountains to go ahead.   The two sides compromised on the location of 4 disputed wind turbines.   A spokesperson for the company's local PR firm says it's possible a statement may come next week.

Breakout at Roseview Manor

An outbreak has forced the closure of a portion of Roseview Manor.  The Health Unit has closed the 2nd floor of the Primrose wing because of a respiratory outbreak.  All admissions, transfers and discharges have been cancelled.

Council votes for settlement

Thunder Bay City Council has voted to support the settlement with Horizon Wind.  Mayor Keith Hobbs asked to have the vote deferred but the motion was lost; he had a number of questions he wanted administration to answer.  Councillor Iain Angus says too much money is at risk to not support the settlement.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says if the City had to pay for the 126 million dollar lawsuit it would mean they would be unable to pay for any road work for several years.  Hobbs voted against the settlement as did Neebing Councillor Linda Rydholm.  The final vote was 8 to 4.

Concerned citizens have their say

Thunder Bay City Council got an earful Monday night on the Horizon Wind settlement.  Lorella Piirik says the city will lose out if the settlement goes through.  Piirik notes the cost to decommission the turbines will cost more than what's set out in the settlement.  Piirik adds the city should not give up it's Loch Lomond road allowance.  Several people protested outside of City hall last night and stayed for the regular meeting.  Seven deputants spoke out against the proposed settlement.

WCO pays visit to council

The leader of an anti-wind farm group wants City Council to change some of the clauses found in the proposed settlement with Horizon Wind.  John Laforet is the President of Wind Concerns Ontario and says council should hold off on voting on the settlement that would kill the 126 million dollar lawsuit.  Laforet thinks council needs to maintain control of the Loch Lomond road allowance; calling it the city's only bargaining chip.

Council ok's Dawson Road Study

Thunder Bay City Council is moving ahead with a truck traffic study on Dawson Road. McIntyre Ward Councillor Trevor Giertuga introduced the idea and says it's all about safety.  The study will look at the feasibility of diverting transports to the new Shabaqua Highway by limiting the weight and speed limits on Dawson Road.

Earth Wise leased for one year

Thunder Bay City Council is leasing the name Earth Wise for one year. They made the decision Monday night. A Southern Ontario hydro company owns the rights to that name. Mayor Keith Hobbs spoke to the Mayor of Cambridge in an attempt to get use of the name; but found out the hydro company is seperate from the municipality. Administration will brainstorm new names for the City's "earth wise" program and start rebranding throughout the year.

Council competes with Federal Election

Thunder Bay City Council isn't going to let the Federal Election stop them from holding their Monday night meeting.  Council was considering moving their meeting to Tuesday May 3rd to accomodate election night but most of council voted against the move.

Local bar in trouble with AGCO

The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission is getting tough with a local bar owner. Spokesperson Lisa Murray says the liquor licence for Dragon's Den Sports Bar has been suspended with a recommendation that it be revoked. Murray says some serious public safety issues are involved. That includes police stopping three drunk and impaired drivers who left the bar, and serving people who appeared drunk. The bar owner Mike Komar says he is devastated, and plans to answer to the allegations which he says have yet to be proven.

School Board works on budget

The Lakehead Public School Board continues to work on it's budget.  Deputations from support staff, teachers and a variety of education professionals will be heard tonight at their monthly meeting.  Budget Meeting Chair George Saarinen says there's even a section on their website where you can have your say.  The board has yet to hear what their funding levels will be for the upcoming school year.

Local Tory echos national party theme

The Conservative's in Thunder Bay Rainy River are saying constituents don't want to go to the polls. After one week on the hustings Moe Comuzzi-Stehman says she's heard a common theme, that they don't want a election while the economy is recovering.  Comuzzi-Stehman also says job creation and families are  a concern.

Alcohol seized from Northern First Nations

A large amount of alcohol has been seized from a northern Ontario First Nation community. Nishnawbe-Aski Police say around 330 bottles of alcohol were discovered in Kashechewan First Nation. Sgt Jackie George says police discovered the alcohol in hockey bags. George says the total street value of the alcohol was around 16,500 dollars.

Busy Week For John Rafferty

NDP MP for Thunder Bay Rainy River John Rafferty says its been a busy first week on the federal campaign trail. He is trying to cover as much constituency as possible. Rafferty says that he has noticed people seem more engaged in this election than he predicted.

Arrest made in weekend robbery

City police have a man in custody in connection with a weekend robbery.  It took place at the Mac's store at 340 North May Street early Saturday morning.   Police say the 30 year old Fort Hope man was arrested Saturday night at a South Court Street apartment.   

Wind farm opponents ready for political rumble

City councillors are being asked to bite the bullet tonight.  Administration is recommending they settle a 126 million dollar lawsuit with Horizon Wind over the wind farm project on the Nor' Wester Escarpment.   Councillors will be doing it under the watchful eye of wind farm opponents who promise to be there in full force.

St Ignatius is back to normal

The Catholic School board is praising the custodian crew at St Ignatius High School.  Executive Director John De Faveri says a man broke into the school and went on a mini rampage Saturday night.  Around 8 to 10 thousand dollars in damages were handed out, but workers quickly cleaned up yesterday and everything is business as usually.

Update on Waverley Park Bandshell

Now that the Waverley Park Bandshell is history don't expect it to be replaced right away. City parks co-ordinator Werner Schwar says that even though they made short work of demolishing the wooden structure there is no budget to rebuild this year. Schwar says the steel beams are expected to be removed by this weekend.

Ken Boshcoff is enjoy the campaign

Former MP for Thunder Bay Rainy River and Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff is happy with the first week of his campaign.  Boshcoff says voters are telling him they want an MP that can get the job done.  He says we are on the verge of an economic breakthrough and need an MP that can make Ottawa understand the needs of the Northwest and come through for the needs of the people.  Boshcoff says he's looking forward to the candidate debates which will kick off next week.  

Snow causes power outages

The snow also caused some outages across the city.  Thunder Bay Hydro officials say around 400 customers were without power yesterday night in the North Downtown as well as sporadic outages across the city.  Heavy wet snow sticking to power lines and trees combined with some wind is being blamed for the outages. 

April snow day for rural students

The snow has led to some cancellations this morning.  All rural buses have been cancelled for both the public schools and Catholic and French Schools.  Crestview, Five Mile, Gorham and Ware, Kakabecka Falls, McKenzie, Norwester View, Valley Central and Whitfish Valley schools are all closed today as well as Thunder Bay Christian School.

Old man winter gives us another shot in the arm

When you look outside this morning you might feel like you went back in time overnight.  We are back into a winter wonderland.  Around 3 centimetres of snow is covering the area and a couple more centimetres could fall this morning before changing to scattered rain showers.  The snow won't last with highs later this week reaching past the double digits on the plus side. 

Kyle: campaign has big learning curve

Thunder Bay-Superior North Green Party candidate Scot Kyle says the first week of his campaign has had a big learning curve but so far he's enjoying it. He's been going door to door to meet voters and has been sharing some of his ideas. Kyle says he'd like to see more greenspace in the city, less waste and believes sustainable industry could provide an economic boost for the region. Kyle will be campaigning in Thunder Bay this week and says he'd like to attend the Thunder Bay-Superior North debate in Marathon on Wednesday if scheduling permits.

Fricot says campaign is going well

Superior-North Liberal candi-date Yves Fricot says his campaign is on track as he heads into week number two.  Fricot has been going door to door and says he's been having some good conver-sations with voters. According to Fricot, the voters he’s been speaking with aren’t happy with how they’re being governed or how their tax dollars are being spent. The Liberal candidate also says that voters want to talk about the future of Northern Ontario and how to make Parliament work for the region. Fricot will be heading to Terrace Bay, Schreiber and Nipigon this week and will participate in the first Thunder Bay-Superior North debate in Marathon on Wednesday.

Harvey finds campaign response encouraging

Superior-North Conservative candi-date Richard Harvey is feeling upbeat after the first week of his campaign. He’s been knocking on doors throughout the riding and says the response he’s been getting is encouraging. According to Harvey, voters he’s talked to say they want to see a change in how they’re repres-ented and that they aren’t thrilled about having another election. Harvey also serves as Mayor of Nipigon, but has taken a leave from the position in order to concentrate on the campaign. Harvey will be in Thunder Bay at the start of the week and will be in Marathon on Wednesday for the first Thunder Bay-Superior North debate.

Hyer feeling good about campaign

As week two of the election kicks off Thunder Bay-Superior North NDP MP Bruce Hyer says the campaign to defend his seat is going well. Hyer says election time provides a nice opportunity to meet with his constituents.  He says voters are telling him they feel the current government in Ottawa is out of touch with Northwestern Ontario. This is the MP’s fourth federal election and he says any shyness he had when he first started is long gone and he enjoys meeting voters. Hyer is heading to the North Shore at the beginning of the week and will be participating in the first Superior-North debate in Marathon on Wednesday.

Frank Mahovlich gives Fricot assist

A Toronto Maple Leaf turned Ottawa Senator is putting his support behind Thunder Bay-Superior North Liberal Candidate Yves Fricot. Liberal Senator Frank Mahovlich was in town Saturday making the rounds with Fricot. The hockey legend and Timmins native says from where he stands the Liberal party is a good fit for Northwestern Ontario because he feels the Liberals have done a lot for Canada. Mahovlich cited the Pearson and Trudeau governments as examples and says the party feels Michael Ignatieff could be the same kind of leader. In addition to talking politics, Mahovlich spent much of his time signing autographs and talking hockey with eager fans.

Mac's Mart robbed

Police are investigating another Mac's Mart robbery. The Mac's on North May Street was robbed by a man with a knife early this morning. The man is described by police as being around six feet tall with a dark complexion. He was wearing a white hoodie.

St. Ignatius break in

Police have a man in custody after a bizarre alleged break and enter at St. Ignatius High School. According to police there was an extensive amount of damage done to the second floor of the school including broken windows and flooding. Police were alerted after a fire alarm was pulled early this morning.